Wailes Gray Ellis

Gray was born in Tampa, shortly after the family moved from Macon, Ga. He attended B.C. Graham and Mitchell Elementary, Wilson Jr. High, H.B. Plant High School, and the University of Florida where he was a KA and started his almost maniacal love of the Gators. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne post WWII.

He was a lifetime member - from cradle roll to today - at Hyde Park United Methodist Church where he met his wife of almost 69 years, Joan (Jo).

His life was his family and the family business that he went to everyday, driving both he and Jo until his passing. He was a fiercely loyal man, whose dedication to his family was only outmatched by our love for him.

Gray was predeceased by his parents Edward and Virginia Ellis, brother Ed. Jr., sisters Virginia Ashby and Jean Clark, and grandson J.D. Van Pelt.

He is survived by his loving wife Jo; daughter Jenny Van Pelt and husband Jon, son Bubba Ellis and wife Ellis, son Jamie Ellis and wife Martha, Richard Farmer and wife Kathy; grandchildren, Jamie Van Pelt, Taylor Ellis (Sarah), Caroline Zalkin (Adam), Cape Ellis, Rochelle Van Pelt and great grandson Jon D. "Jack" Van Pelt, III; Coral, Cayla and Clay Allwardt.

The family will receive friends at Blount & Curry Macdill, 605 S. Macdill Ave, Tampa on Sunday, April 2 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Celebration of life will take place at Hyde Park Methodist Church 500 W. Platt St., Tampa on Monday, April 3 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to B.C. Graham Elementary or a charity of your choice.